Astros extend contract for GM Purpura

Published
6:00 pm CST, Wednesday, November 1, 2006

The Houston Astros gave general manager Tim Purpura a one-year contract extension on Thursday, a deal that runs through the 2008 season.

Purpura became the Astros' GM on Nov. 1, 2004, just after Houston lost to St. Louis in the NL championship series. Houston reached its first World Series in 2005, losing to the Chicago White Sox in four games.

"We greatly appreciate Tim's leadership and the job that he has done in his two seasons as the general manager of the Houston Astros," owner Drayton McLane said in a statement. "I feel strongly that our ballclub is charging forward as we continue toward our goal of bringing a World Series championship to Houston."

Purpura has worked for the Astros for 13 seasons. He became the GM after seven seasons overseeing the club's player development areas while also fulfilling his duties as assistant general manager.

"I appreciate the confidence that Drayton and the organization have shown in me by choosing to extend my contract," Purpura said in a statement.